In the historic parish of Hagios Athanasios at Chorio, eight buildings with their courtyards and gardens make up the complex of the local archaeological museum, developed in four basic levels, following the steep slope of the rocky ground, were added, covering a total area of 1,385.75 sq.m.. Besides the mansions of Farmakidis (19th century) and Chatziagapitos (18th century), it comprises three nearby restored traditional dwellings.
The variety in the plan and form of the buildings reflects the architectural evolution of the island, as well as the financial status of the owners. The organization of the museum collections reflects the social, economic and intellectual life of the most prosperous period in the history of Symi (18th – 19th century) and their echo in the 20th century.
The history and monumental topography of the island from the modern era back to Prehistoric times are presented through different thematic sections.
The Chatziagapitos Mansion, part of the complex of the Archaeological Museum of Symi, is an excellent example of an 18th century mansion, surrounded by a high wall. The main entrance building is located to the south, through an arched gate and across a courtyard laid with a pebble mosaic, a layout reminiscent of monastic courtyards. The Mansion itself consists of an imposing elongated hall with a composite decorated floor and musicians’ gallery, and side rooms with railed lofts. Other rooms to the left and right of the main hall include a dining room, bedrooms, office, kitchen, an apartment for old relatives (gerontomiri) and a compartment for storing valuables (cryftouri).
